This Friday (5), the United States announced the sending of 10 F-35 fighters to Puerto Rico next week, as part of an operation aimed at combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean. According to the US government, aircraft should be ready for future actions, similar to the recently performed, in which 11 people died during an attack on a boat that, according to former President Donald Trump, carried narcotics.
The US decision caused Venezuela’s reaction, which classified mobilization as a possible attempt at disguise. The tension increased further after a Venezuelan Air Force plane flying over a US military ship that was patrolling the region. Washington harshly criticized the incident, calling the “highly provocative” maneuver.
At least seven United States War Vessels, as well as a rapid nuclear -powered submarine, are already positioned in the region or should arrive in the coming days. Together, these forces total more than 4,500 military personnel, including naval sailors and Marines.
Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro said at a news conference that the US is preparing a military offensive against the country with an extremely destructive force:
“Venezuela faces the biggest threat our continent has seen in the last 100 years. Eight military ships with 1,200 missiles and a nuclear submarine are aiming at Venezuela. It is an unjustifiable, unjustifiable, immoral, and absolutely criminal, absolutely criminal threat.”
Fighting drug cartels was one of the main priorities of Donald Trump management, within a broader strategy aimed at strengthening safety on the southern border of the United States and containing illegal immigration in the country.
